thandi maqubela luminary mothers conversation interview motherhood fashion style maternity fashion portpartum style sheerluxe wardrobe icons british vogue sunday times style lawyer suits london family friendly — *Photo Courtesy of Thandi Maqubela*

One of the most compelling themes that continues to emerge in conversations with working mothers is how motherhood becomes a defining force, not something that slows momentum, but something that reshapes it. It sharpens focus, deepens purpose, and often reveals a new clarity around what truly matters. For many women, it becomes a powerful accelerator rather than a pause.

In our latest interview, Thandi Maqubela shares her experience of navigating this very shift. As a commercial lawyer and in-house legal director, Thandi balances a high-pressure role with family life, all while embracing a creative passion for content and personal style. Her perspective is clear: motherhood didn’t diminish her ambition; it refined it.

Throughout our conversation, she reflects on the early challenges of new motherhood, the evolving nature of identity, and the unexpected moments of joy that continue to shape her journey. She speaks candidly about the realities of returning to work, the importance of personal time (even in small rituals), and the lessons that have stayed with her, both as a mother and a professional.

In chatting with Thandi, what really comes through is how she’s found her own rhythm across her career, creativity, and motherhood. She speaks honestly about the highs and lows, and how she’s learned to stay grounded while juggling everything that matters to her. It’s a reminder that there’s no one way to do modern motherhood. It looks different for everyone, and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.

By Alice Codford

ON MOTHERHOOD

Alice: Do you feel that motherhood has changed you? In what ways?

Thandi: There was definitely a very perceptible shift when I became a mother and what’s interesting is that I don’t think I’ll reach a state of stasis in this regard as it feels like the experience of motherhood will continue to iterate as our family goes through various stages, which to me is quite beautiful, almost like a continuing journey. In terms of the way it’s changed me, I have a lot more perspective about things, I’m less phased about things that don’t really matter, and I’m more laser-focused as it relates to my career.

Is motherhood what you expected? And what part of it has been most unexpected?

Thandi: I can only describe the early days as being a shock of epic proportions - wow! It was all-consuming, and the feelings felt so absolute at the time, and now, when I look back, I’m surprised that I can find the humour in what I know was a really challenging time for me. As trite as it may seem, it’s the love that floors me. Sometimes I look at our son and I’m just overwhelmed by how much I love him. Of course, there are trying times, he is still little after all, but my goodness, I just did not know I had this kind of capacity.

“Some people, for whatever reason, believe that motherhood slows us down and shifts our priorities, making us less ambitious. I think it's quite the opposite. I’ve become so much more driven since becoming a mother, and I’ve become very effective as time is often limited.”

What has been one of the most difficult points of motherhood for you? Were you able to overcome it, and if so, how did you navigate through that challenging time?

Thandi: The early days were quite difficult for me, it took a while to get a hang of breastfeeding, the loss of bodily autonomy was tricky and getting to know myself again or the new version of myself was interesting. I would also say the transition back into work was tough. I was doing my job well, but I knew I wasn’t firing on all cylinders in the way that I know how, and that took longer than anticipated to get back to.

luminary mothers motherhood fashion style thandi maqubela lawer mum content creator london family friendly activities sheerluxe british vogue wardrobe icons uk influencers family friendly holidays — *Photo Courtesy of Thandi Maqubela*

What has been one of the highest points of motherhood for you so far? Are there any particular moments or experiences that stand out?

Thandi: There are so many… when we finally got into the flow of breastfeeding, our first family holiday to Harbour Island when he was just 5 months, the trips we’ve taken back home to Cape Town to visit family, when he said Daddy for the first time in Comporta, seeing him spend hours in the pool with my husband is adorable and the cute little chats we have in bed or on the way back from nursery on the days I do pick-up. He’s quite a cuddly boy, which I love, and he’ll often stop playing and turn to either of us and say ‘I love you’ or he’ll put his arms around my neck and say ‘all mine’ - nothing beats that feeling!

After a particularly tough day of juggling parenting, work, and life in general, what do you do to recharge or unwind? What helps you find some calm amidst the chaos?

Thandi: This sounds so simple, but it’s being able to do my nighttime skin care routine in the bathroom, just under 10 minutes all to myself. We’ve been lucky in the sense that he goes to bed quite early, and we get to spend time together downstairs in the evenings, which is a great way to unwind after a long work day.

Have you found it easy or challenging to maintain your friendships since becoming a mother? And have you found it easy making new mum friends along the way?

Thandi: I know I wasn’t the best and most present friend in the first two years of motherhood, I really struggled to find the balance. I was fortunate however, in the sense that almost all my close friends had babies at the same time, so they understood and gave me grace, supporting me as I was finding my new me. I think because I had this existing network I didn't really feel the need to make new mum friends which I guess is lucky because my friends knew me before motherhood and there are still so many parts of me that are still the same.

luminary mothers motherhood fashion style maternity fashion postpartum style london family friendly guide thandi maqubela sheerluxe wardrobe icons sunday times style aligne cos street style — *Photo Courtesy of Thandi Maqubela*

It is a fact that women often feel a loss of identity after becoming a mother, did you experience this? What helped you feel more like yourself postpartum?

Thandi: Not so much a loss of identity, there were periods where I felt like I’d lost a bit of autonomy which was tricky to navigate but my sense of self or the core of it, remained pretty solid, I think, or rather I built extensions on it.

“Emma Grede talks about a system of trade-offs and that’s exactly what it is - you assess what needs attention against what has a bit more give in your life, and you navigate life accordingly.”

What advice or words of wisdom do you want to share with other mothers that you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

Thandi: This is something someone said to me when I was pregnant and I didn't quite get it but it was so impactful in the early days ‘This too shall pass’ which I often found myself whispering in the early morning hours of cluster feeding!

What are your must-have baby/postpartum products that you found the most useful and helpful to you, that you always recommend to new mums?

Thandi: The Elvi for on the go pumping, The Medela pump for quick at home pumping, and keeping to my facials and massages - having that time to myself kept me sane! I was surprised by how much I didn’t delve into a lot of the apps and products that are available. I’m quite a control freak but for some reason, I just surrendered to the experience because babies are going to baby, no matter what you do. Also, not so much a product, but we had an amazing Doula, the pre and post natal support she was just incredible.

ON HER CAREER AS A COMMERCIAL LAWYER

Can you tell us about your journey into law? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

Thandi: It was largely driven by the aptitude tests we did in high school - my skill set and passion naturally lent themselves to reading law. I also knew it was a profession I would enjoy and do well in. I initially studied for an economics and finance degree, which I complemented with a law degree - more because I loved university and wasn't ready to leave after completing the first degree!

Can you tell me what your typical day looks like?

Thandi: I don’t really have a typical day as I work as an in-house general counsel, so every day is different, which I love. I work in a hybrid fashion, so I'm in the office two-thirds of the week. which is great as I have a sizeable team, so it's a good opportunity to interact with them. My days will start with some form of exercise, be it a run, walk or weights, and then it’s very much filled with client calls and negotiations. presentations and strategy-focused projects.

“As trite as it may seem, it’s the love that floors me. Sometimes I look at our son and I’m just overwhelmed by how much I love him.”

Have you had any mentors or role models who shaped your professional path?

Thandi: There are quite a few, and some of them don’t necessarily work within the same space as me, but their careers are impressive, and more so, they have so much experience and learning to share. I would say my first boss was incredible at instilling resilience and work ethic, I will always give credit to him for that - I saw excellence in the legal world up close when working with him. The women I work with every day are amazing, and the junior lawyers in my team who are charting their own course through the new professional landscape are role models in their own right.

Do you find it hard to switch off work at the end of the day? Any tips on how to help with this?

Thandi: Surprisingly not, I think the more senior I’ve become the more I’m able to leave things at the door - that being said I really enjoy what I do so I’m always thinking about how to grow, what initiatives to implement, and new ideas to share - this is a positive experience for me and not one I’d want to switch off.

luminary mothers fashion motherhood style mum life outfit inspo career mom sherrluxe wardrobe icons london luxury shopping — *Photo Courtesy of Thandi Maqubela*

What sparked your interest in fashion and content creation, and how do you balance it with your legal career?

Thandi: I’ve always loved clothes, I grew up around very stylish women, my mother being one of them - I still covet vintage pieces in her wardrobe! I’ll be honest and say the legal TV dramas also played somewhat of a role because the styling was always impeccable. I’ve been known to ‘add to cart’ very quickly after seeing an outfit on Suits! In terms of content creation, I think it flows naturally as a lot of what I share is career related and of course how we present in the workplace is quite important as it lends gravitas.

What’s a misconception people have about working mothers, especially those in high-pressure fields like law?

Thandi: I think this is a tricky one because motherhood is not a monolithic experience, and people want different things from their lives depending on what stage they’re at. I would, however say that some people, for whatever reason, believe that motherhood slows us down and shifts our priorities, making us less ambitious. I think it's quite the opposite -I’ve become so much more driven since becoming a mother, and I’ve become very effective as time is often limited.

“Clothing is a very valid tool of self-expression as it lends gravitas to an already very capable woman.”

What advice would you give to women who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to ‘do it all’: career, family, and self-care?

Thandi: I think women have been sold something unattainable in the form of this idea of work-life balance, it’s an impossible ask and one that’s never asked of men/fathers. Emma Grede talks about a system of trade-offs, and that’s exactly what it is - you assess what needs attention against what has a bit more give in your life, and you navigate life accordingly.

Do you see fashion and personal style as tools for empowerment in the workplace?

Thandi: Definitely, clothing is a very valid tool of self-expression as it lends gravitas to an already very capable women - and in fact that’s the sign off I use at the end of each of my Substack articles (The Sartorial Lawyer).

What are some of your favourite achievements in your career so far that you're particularly proud of?

Thandi: There are quite a few, getting accepted into my dream law firm when I first started working, qualifying as a lawyer in the high courts of South Africa, becoming a dual qualified lawyer when I obtained my English licence to practise and when I became a Legal Director at my firm.

What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a high-powered career while also nurturing their creative passions or balancing it with motherhood?

Thandi: It’s quite simple : Do it. There is no roadmap, it will work out because it has to.

ON HER STYLE SINCE BECOMING A MOTHER

Has your personal style changed since becoming a mum? If so, how has it influenced the way you dress?

Thandi: I think I’m lucky in that I have the natural opportunity to get dressed up as my career lends itself to this, which I love! My weekend style is definitely of the downtime variety, which is much needed, given that a lot of it is spent running around and playing with a very boisterous, happy boy.

What is your go-to outfit for every day? Any particular pieces you wear on repeat?

Thandi: I’m always partial to a dress in the workplace - they minimise the extent of decision making needed as it’s just one piece and can be styled up or down quite easily.

What are your favourite brands that you always gravitate towards?

Thandi: I’m the worst at this as I’m not brand loyal at all because I tend to just go for what works, and there’s limited cohesion in terms of a specific brand style, but off the top of my head I would say Proenza Schouler (perfect workwear), Cos, Aligne, Toteme, Vivere, Simone Rocha, Tibi, Joseph, Sezane, Me+em, Doen, Rise and Fall, Rohe, WNU, Aje.

“Wear what makes you feel good, lead with that and everything else will follow”

Whose wardrobe would you love to raid? Do you have any style icons?

Thandi: Tracee Ellie Ross and Solange - HANDS DOWN!

Have you received or gifted yourself something special to commemorate the birth of your children?

Thandi: Yes, I received a gorgeous bespoke piece of Jewellery from our family jeweller in South Africa.

What is on your shopping list right now?

Thandi: I’m more of a jewellery girl so I’m working on two pieces right now - a ring and a bracelet.

What is your go-to handbag for everyday?

Thandi: My Proenza Schouler bag is perfect for work - fits my laptop, notebook and all necessary bits for the day and it’s interesting in that it’s black leather with tan and white accents in the handles, it’s so durable and looks very chic - just ideal!

Let's talk a bit about beauty. Has your skincare routine changed since becoming a mother? What skincare products or treatments do you recommend?

Thandi: The product components remain the same, I’m big on hydration, vitamin c, retinol and SPF. I do however, try different brands, but I'm careful not to chop and change too often, as I think it would be detrimental to my skin. In terms of treatments, Salon C Stellar and Teresa Tarmey are the best in the game for result-driven work.

What makeup products do you swear by daily?

Thandi: This is easy, it’s the Saie Slip Skin Tint - it’s just perfection! I don’t wear make-up every day but this is my go-to when I do.

What practical fashion advice do you have for women managing both work and motherhood?

Thandi: Wear what makes you feel good, lead with that and everything else will follow - the confidence, the feel good factor and the joy.

Follow Thandi on Instagram @thandimaq

Thandi Maqubela: Lawyer, Mother, Style Maven and Proof That You Can Do It All, On Your Own Terms.